Chiefs Special teams coach thinks Dexter McCluster has unlocked potential as a returner - Page 2

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-01-2013, 12:09 AM

Chiefs’ new special teams coach thinks Dexter McCluster has unlocked potential as a returner
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
Dexter McCluster brought back a punt 94 yards for a touchdown in his first NFL game for the Chiefs in 2010, sparking hope he could surpass Chicago’s Devin Hester as the NFL’s next great return specialist.

That hasn’t happened yet, but the Chiefs aren’t giving up on the idea. This offseason they hired away the Bears’ Dave Toub, the special teams coach who worked with Hester and helped him become one of the all-time greats with 17 career return touchdowns.

And Toub is a fan of McCluster’s.

“McCluster is somebody that’s very intriguing to me,’’ Toub said. “He can really make you miss and I just think he’s got a lot of untapped potential as a punt returner.’’

A McCluster revival is just part of what the Chiefs have planned for their return game. They’re also looking at rookie running back Knile Davis to return kickoffs, though Davis never brought back a kick in college at Arkansas.

That plan, too, is part of the effort to awaken a long dormant return game. The Chiefs haven’t returned a kickoff for a touchdown since 2009 or a punt for a score since McCluster did it in the season-opening game in 2010 against the Chargers.

The Chiefs traded one of their main return specialists from the past couple of seasons, Javier Arenas. They have others working in the mix, including wide receiver Devon Wylie. But for the time being, at least, they appear to have settled on McCluster and Davis.

McCluster hasn’t had many chances to return punts since his rookie season in part to keep the 5-foot-8, 170-pound McCluster fresh for offensive plays. But the new coaching staff led by Andy Reid doesn’t have that idea.

“We’re kind of dusting him off in that area,’’ Toub said. “He has all the skills that you like to see as a punt returner.’’

Davis is an interesting option as a kickoff returner. He hasn’t returned a kick in a live game since he was in high school and was a frequent fumbler at running back last season.

But the Chiefs see a fast runner with a big body who could be difficult for opponents to bring down in the open field.

“He’s a big guy and he can run (fast),’’ McCluster said. “He just needs a little more repetition and I think he’ll be really good.’’

Reid said Davis has good vision, which is key for a returner.

“That position, you want the guys that are willing to hit it up the field,” Reid said. “We’ll see how he does. I’m not saying he’s the guy necessarily right now. But he’s working at it and we’ll see how he does through training camp.’’

Judging from offseason practice, Davis will get plenty of work at running back in the regular season even though Jamaal Charles is the starter. But he said returning kickoffs would be another way for him to contribute.

“Any way I can touch the field,’’ he said. “It’s no fun sitting on the sideline.

“I like the idea. The biggest difference from college to the league is that here, they want you to catch it forward so you can have that momentum going up the field.

“The key is hitting it full speed. But it’s a lot harder to judge it and catch it that way. You’ve got to judge it just right or it will be a big mistake. In college, you can kind of stand there and judge it and catch it on your back leg. I’ve pretty much got it down, for the most part.’’

The Chiefs are withholding judgment on that last part.

“We’ve got a long way to go,’’ Toub said. “We’ve got to find out when the (games) start whether this guy will be able to hold on to the ball. That’s going to be the key for him on kickoff return.’’

“There’s a lot for him to learn. It’s a totally different feel (than at running back). He’s got the ball in his hand like at running back but still it’s totally different. It’s about closing the distance. It’s about (getting up the field) real quick. There are a lot of collisions out there. You’ve got guys running 10, 15 yards running full speed at you. There will be a learning curve for him.’’

BlackHelicopters · 06-01-2013, 05:35 AM

DMC is full of something, just not untapped potential.

Mother****erJones · 06-01-2013, 07:40 AM

DMC couldn't juke a ****ing toddler

-King- · 06-01-2013, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorter

It's truly sad that coaches, scouts, front office personnel, etc. aren't truly allowed to speak their mind about things.

Now, I'm not sure that I want our new ST coach ripping DMC but this is literally the same rhetoric we've heard since he's been drafted.

So you think Toub has DMC as the main return guy for Shits and giggles? I don't know about you, but I'm willing to defer to one of the greatest ST coaches on this issue. If he thinks DMC is the best returner on the team, no reason for me to doubt him.
Posted via Mobile Device

Simply Red · 06-01-2013, 07:59 AM

I personally watched GoChiefs celebrate in the stands WITH the CamaroHeadz after DMC returned that Punt against the Chargers. When the rain picked up - Claythan rushed into the concessions looking for a Run DMC tee shirt.

So it's comical seeing the critical gifs.

Simply Red · 06-01-2013, 08:00 AM

Don't be fooled by the giffing up - Clay is in the closet - He loves him some 5'8" black midget cock.

ThatRaceCardGuy · 06-01-2013, 08:14 AM

This Kool aid taste like shit.

Simply Red · 06-01-2013, 08:16 AM

whenever Clay complains or tries to dog out DMC - You all should know - this guy was enamored at the first sight of this black midget.

He's quietly an enormous, closet fan of Dexter.

**DaFace** · 06-01-2013, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bevischief

So when does the ban hammer strike for anyone posting ADAM TEICHER articles?

Yeah - I'm getting tired of all this damn Chiefs news. It's getting in the way of Hootie's countdown.

Stanley Nickels · 06-01-2013, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -King-

So you think Pioli has Cassel as the starting QB for Shits and giggles? I don't know about you, but I'm willing to defer to "the GM of the decade" on this issue. If he thinks Cassel is the best QB for the team, no reason for me to doubt him.
Posted via Mobile Device

FTFY.

I generally agree that we need to wait and see, but we've been down this road far too often in recent years.

Stanley Nickels · 06-01-2013, 08:45 AM

I think that 2010 game was the drunkest I've ever been at a sporting event. I kept falling over bleachers into the row in front of me. How I didn't get removed immediately is beyond me. I just remember giving the excuse that it was slippery, as the reason I fell forward four separate times into the people in front of me.

Hog's Gone Fishin · 06-01-2013, 08:49 AM

Chiefs | Knile Davis talks about fumble issues
Thu, 30 May 2013 08:48:57 -0700

Kansas City Chiefs RB Knile Davis said the fumble problems he displayed in his final season at Arkansas have been fixed. "I think I'll never fumble again," the 2013 third-round pick said. "I had two bad games last year where I fumbled a lot. It was just me not focusing on it."

Read more: http://www.kffl.com/team/21/nfl/kans...#ixzz2UyZwVjcV

milkman · 06-01-2013, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -King-

So you think Toub has DMC as the main return guy for Shits and giggles? I don't know about you, but I'm willing to defer to one of the greatest ST coaches on this issue. If he thinks DMC is the best returner on the team, no reason for me to doubt him.
Posted via Mobile Device

I think that McCluster is the best returner on the team, as well.

I also think that Alex Smith is the best QB on this team, and that Tyson Jackson is the best DE on this team.

So, to summarize, I think we're pretty ****ed on those positions.

Dave Toub isn't going to tell us that about his returners, though.

OrtonsPiercedTaint · 06-01-2013, 09:11 AM

A coach that is a motivational speaker? wow

Pasta Little Brioni · 06-01-2013, 09:13 AM

Lil man is goin off this year

Deberg_1990 · 06-01-2013, 09:16 AM

I'm pretty sure Teicher has no unlocked potential as a journalist.

06-01-2013, 12:09 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2807187	Special teams coach thinks Dexter McCluster has unlocked potential as a returner Chiefs’ new special teams coach thinks Dexter McCluster has unlocked potential as a returner By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Dexter McCluster brought back a punt 94 yards for a touchdown in his first NFL game for the Chiefs in 2010, sparking hope he could surpass Chicago’s Devin Hester as the NFL’s next great return specialist. That hasn’t happened yet, but the Chiefs aren’t giving up on the idea. This offseason they hired away the Bears’ Dave Toub, the special teams coach who worked with Hester and helped him become one of the all-time greats with 17 career return touchdowns. And Toub is a fan of McCluster’s. “McCluster is somebody that’s very intriguing to me,’’ Toub said. “He can really make you miss and I just think he’s got a lot of untapped potential as a punt returner.’’ A McCluster revival is just part of what the Chiefs have planned for their return game. They’re also looking at rookie running back Knile Davis to return kickoffs, though Davis never brought back a kick in college at Arkansas. That plan, too, is part of the effort to awaken a long dormant return game. The Chiefs haven’t returned a kickoff for a touchdown since 2009 or a punt for a score since McCluster did it in the season-opening game in 2010 against the Chargers. The Chiefs traded one of their main return specialists from the past couple of seasons, Javier Arenas. They have others working in the mix, including wide receiver Devon Wylie. But for the time being, at least, they appear to have settled on McCluster and Davis. McCluster hasn’t had many chances to return punts since his rookie season in part to keep the 5-foot-8, 170-pound McCluster fresh for offensive plays. But the new coaching staff led by Andy Reid doesn’t have that idea. “We’re kind of dusting him off in that area,’’ Toub said. “He has all the skills that you like to see as a punt returner.’’ Davis is an interesting option as a kickoff returner. He hasn’t returned a kick in a live game since he was in high school and was a frequent fumbler at running back last season. But the Chiefs see a fast runner with a big body who could be difficult for opponents to bring down in the open field. “He’s a big guy and he can run (fast),’’ McCluster said. “He just needs a little more repetition and I think he’ll be really good.’’ Reid said Davis has good vision, which is key for a returner. “That position, you want the guys that are willing to hit it up the field,” Reid said. “We’ll see how he does. I’m not saying he’s the guy necessarily right now. But he’s working at it and we’ll see how he does through training camp.’’ Judging from offseason practice, Davis will get plenty of work at running back in the regular season even though Jamaal Charles is the starter. But he said returning kickoffs would be another way for him to contribute. “Any way I can touch the field,’’ he said. “It’s no fun sitting on the sideline. “I like the idea. The biggest difference from college to the league is that here, they want you to catch it forward so you can have that momentum going up the field. “The key is hitting it full speed. But it’s a lot harder to judge it and catch it that way. You’ve got to judge it just right or it will be a big mistake. In college, you can kind of stand there and judge it and catch it on your back leg. I’ve pretty much got it down, for the most part.’’ The Chiefs are withholding judgment on that last part. “We’ve got a long way to go,’’ Toub said. “We’ve got to find out when the (games) start whether this guy will be able to hold on to the ball. That’s going to be the key for him on kickoff return.’’ “There’s a lot for him to learn. It’s a totally different feel (than at running back). He’s got the ball in his hand like at running back but still it’s totally different. It’s about closing the distance. It’s about (getting up the field) real quick. There are a lot of collisions out there. You’ve got guys running 10, 15 yards running full speed at you. There will be a learning curve for him.’’
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06-01-2013, 05:35 AM	#16
BlackHelicopters Spiraling down the Drain Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dante's Ninth Circle Casino cash: $-719412	DMC is full of something, just not untapped potential. __________________ "We're both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family." "Fredo. You are my brother, and I love you. But never take sides against the Family again. Ever." 2019 Adopt a Chief - Travis Kelce #87
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06-01-2013, 07:59 AM	#19
Simply Red You Sweetie! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $2021206219 VARSITY	I personally watched GoChiefs celebrate in the stands WITH the CamaroHeadz after DMC returned that Punt against the Chargers. When the rain picked up - Claythan rushed into the concessions looking for a Run DMC tee shirt. So it's comical seeing the critical gifs.
Posts: 71,691

06-01-2013, 08:00 AM	#20
Simply Red You Sweetie! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $2021206219 VARSITY	Don't be fooled by the giffing up - Clay is in the closet - He loves him some 5'8" black midget cock.
Posts: 71,691

06-01-2013, 08:14 AM	#21
ThatRaceCardGuy I BRAUGHT THE BOOZE Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: KU VILLE Casino cash: $10007253	This Kool aid taste like shit.
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06-01-2013, 08:16 AM	#22
Simply Red You Sweetie! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $2021206219 VARSITY	whenever Clay complains or tries to dog out DMC - You all should know - this guy was enamored at the first sight of this black midget. He's quietly an enormous, closet fan of Dexter.
Posts: 71,691

06-01-2013, 08:45 AM	#25
Stanley Nickels [null] Join Date: Sep 2008 Casino cash: $1662893	I think that 2010 game was the drunkest I've ever been at a sporting event. I kept falling over bleachers into the row in front of me. How I didn't get removed immediately is beyond me. I just remember giving the excuse that it was slippery, as the reason I fell forward four separate times into the people in front of me. __________________ Bacon-wrapped shrimp: My first-favorite food wrapped around my third-favorite food. I'd go to a banquet in honor of those Somali pirates if they served bacon-wrapped shrimp.
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06-01-2013, 08:49 AM	#26
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $-1449523	Chiefs \| Knile Davis talks about fumble issues Thu, 30 May 2013 08:48:57 -0700 Kansas City Chiefs RB Knile Davis said the fumble problems he displayed in his final season at Arkansas have been fixed. "I think I'll never fumble again," the 2013 third-round pick said. "I had two bad games last year where I fumbled a lot. It was just me not focusing on it." Read more: http://www.kffl.com/team/21/nfl/kans...#ixzz2UyZwVjcV
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06-01-2013, 09:11 AM	#28
OrtonsPiercedTaint MVP Join Date: Dec 2012 Casino cash: $10004980	A coach that is a motivational speaker? wow
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06-01-2013, 09:13 AM	#29
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $358880	Lil man is goin off this year __________________ **Official TFWdemB Trivia Commisioner**
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06-01-2013, 09:16 AM	#30
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $294454	I'm pretty sure Teicher has no unlocked potential as a journalist. __________________ Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning: Matt once made a very nice play in Seattle where he spun away from a pass rusher and hit Bowe off his back foot for a first down. One of the best plays Matt has ever made.
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